Are you too fussy to buy a home?

Some first home buyers are in a great position to purchase property — they’ve got the income, the savings, and even access to grants. But despite being ready, they stay stuck. Why? Because they’re too fussy and unwilling to compromise.

Let’s be clear: it’s perfectly fine to know what you want in a home. But being too rigid with your wishlist can hold you back from getting a foot in the door — literally.

Common traits of a fussy buyer

Here are some signs you might be letting perfection get in the way of progress:

Dreaming of a location that’s out of budget, and unwilling to consider nearby or more affordable suburbs.

Insisting on a huge house or oversized block, even when it's financially out of reach.

Prioritising lifestyle perks (like living near friends or work) over financial opportunities.

Listening to negative media or uneducated opinions, and letting fear or uncertainty stop you from acting.

Shift your mindset to move forward

To make progress, the key is to be flexible and solution-focused. Here’s how:

Use our Free Home Buyer Plan to map out your 'must-haves' vs 'nice-to-haves'. Clarity helps make compromises feel intentional, not like sacrifices.

Think long-term. Your first home doesn’t need to be your dream home. It’s a starting point and often a stepping stone to something even better.

Research wisely. Use tools like realestate.com.au to explore suburbs that align with your budget, not just your wishlist.

Surround yourself with the right voices. Talk to people who’ve bought homes, not those sitting on the sidelines.

Case study: Claire’s smart choice

Claire had a borrowing capacity of $700,000. She had her heart set on living close to work, but after months of searching, it became clear that every property in that area was priced over $800,000 — well beyond her reach.

Instead of getting discouraged, Claire reassessed her priorities. While living near work would’ve been convenient, she realised that the long-term benefits of owning her own home outweighed the downside of a longer commute.

She shifted her focus to areas where she could comfortably purchase for under $700,000 — a move that not only suited her budget but also made her eligible for the Home Guarantee Scheme and the First Home Owners Grant, saving her thousands in the process.

Claire ended up purchasing in a more affordable suburb, choosing to commute a little further each day rather than delay homeownership.

Now, instead of waiting for the "perfect" location, she owns a home that's growing in value, giving her stability and a foot on the property ladder. And if she ever wants to move closer to the city in the future, she can rent the home out and use the equity to upgrade!

Smart move? We think so.

Be smart, take action

Buying your first home is about making smart moves, not perfect ones. The property market rewards action-takers — not perfectionists.

Be adaptable, have a plan, and take steps that move you closer to homeownership. You can always move again, or upgrade later. The most important thing is to start.

Pre-qualify for a new home